In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the obstacles and incentives to SME investment.

In recent years, a string of crises and ongoing economic uncertainty has dampened investment across the board. Office for National Statistics figures show that business investment remains lower than pre-pandemic levels and fell 0.2% in Q4 2022.

The March Budget attempted a shot in the arm by announcing three years’ capital expensing, but questions remain over whether SMEs can access the finance they need to make their investment plans a reality.

Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Simon Gray, ICAEW Head of Business, and executives from three tech-intensive SMEs: Adam Lauffer, Deputy CEO of Doddle; Tanuvi Ethunandan, CEO of Data Duopoly; and Ciaran Burke, COO of Swoop.

Links

• ICAEW Small and Micro Business Community: https://www.icaew.com/groups-and-networks/communities/small-and-micro-business-community
• ICAEW Insights Special: Cost of doing business: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/cost-of-doing-business 
• ICAEW: Business start-up and finance: https://www.icaew.com/technical/business/business-start-up-and-finance

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Simon Gray, Head of Business, ICAEW
• Adam Lauffer, Deputy CEO, Doddle
• Tanuvi Ethunandan, founder and CEO, Data Duopoly
• Ciaran Burke, co-founder and COO, Swoop

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 28 April 2023
Podcast recorded: 21 April 2023